[Bonus chapter] He Can Trust Her

"Lilith--"

"Don't be afraid, Amon."

His name being called by Lilith sounded like music to his ears, soothing him and telling him that there is nothing to fear.

"Don't be scared. I'm here. I won't go anywhere."

How is it possible that Lilith was able to understand or know that Amon is afraid of losing people, especially those who are close to him? How is it possible that a person like Lilith, who has a strong conviction and is stubborn to get what she wants, be this soft and gentle towards him?

The Grim Reaper didn't understand it... but to be honest, he did appreciate that Lilith is doing this to him.

However, with her touching him right now, even though Lilith told him that there is nothing to fear, he couldn't help but think that it is still possible to hurt her.

Kill her.

The latter part, he didn't want at all.

He will never hope for it.

"Lilith..."

Amon took a step back, more tears coming out of his eyes as he avoided the young lady in front of him.

"It's enough. You're too close and—"

"Nothing's happening," Lilith interrupted, getting close to him as she now held his hand. "See? You worry too much, Amon."

"But—"

"Your powers only involve your eyes, Amon. Not your whole-being." Lilith interrupted once more, reassuring him as she squeezed his hand. "No one's going away—no one's going to disappear away from you," she added, now looking up to smile at him. "You're going to be okay. I just know it."

The two of them stood there in silence. As Lilith still held his hand as she continued to look at him even with his mask on, the smile never wavered away from her beautiful face.

Looking at her like this, right now, her sweet smile beaming at him, Amon thought that this living entity of jumping energy can be so comforting even at a time like this.

Amon couldn't remember the last time he was so vulnerable to his emotions. He remembered it to be many years ago—even before he became an adult, way before even Lilith came into this world.

He always shut his emotions in—not wanting anyone to know about it. It is what drove him to be silent—what drove him to be stoic.

He didn't allow people in his heart. Heck, even just a few people like Eucraick, the king, his close friends Nevin and Gregory was just at the door of his heart as he didn't want to be too attached to them, or them be too attached to him.

However, with Lilith now before him and saying these kind words to him...

How could he slightly open his door to allow her head to peek inside and make him feel better?

"Amon..." Lilith calling his name snapped him out of his stupor. "You are afraid of losing people. But deep down, I know you want to be close to them. Right?"

Amon blinked his eyes a few times. He is grateful to have this mask on so as for other people not to see the emotions he had displayed on his face.

"I do," Amon said silently, letting out a sigh as he slightly turned his head away to avert his gaze from her. He felt slightly embarrassed with Lilith still holding his hand. "But you know... I just can't. I don't want to."

"No one's forcing you to," Lilith replied, shaking her head as she further spoke what she wanted to tell Amon. "But you know, you can do things slowly, but surely."

Curious, Amon turned his head back to look at the young lady before him.

"What do you mean?"

"You know... you can start making friends," Lilith answered, squeezing his hand again to further explain what she meant. "And it can start with me."

Amon cocked his head to the side. "With you?"

"Yes. With me." Lilith nodded, her next statements making the Grim Reaper's heart race in his chest. "I can be your first ever friend who will force her way to you. I will always reassure you that I, and the others, won't ever leave your side."

The Grim Reaper felt a rush of heat on his cheeks. Thank God for the mask that he had on. He knows that he will be conscious for a long time if ever people would see him like this.

"You... my friend."

"Yes~!" Lilith said excitedly, now letting go of his hand as she put her hands on her waist, talking proudly. "And I mean it! I can be your annoying friend now!"

Amon couldn't help but chuckle hearing that. He can now admit to himself that he felt better, talking to Lilith.

It is because of her that he is feeling better and that in itself is already good.

"You already proved yourself to be annoying before you even claimed to be my friend."

"Oh!" Lilith narrowed her eyes at him and pouted. "You do know how to tease me, Amon."

The two of them then laughed out loud. Lilith was even happier in her heart that finally, Amon is feeling better. She couldn't help but feel giddy in her chest that she has slightly made her way towards Amon's walls!

She wondered if she could get past more to it and get closer to him. She hoped that they can indeed be great friends!

"So..."

Lilith reached out her hand towards Amon. As the Grim Reaper looked at it blankly, he blinked his eyes a few times, expectant of what she's going to say the next.

"To the start of our friendship?"

Amon looked at her for a brief moment and contemplated on what she said.

For how many years, he had always shut himself and pushed people away. People respected that, but for Lilith? She really made her way into making Amon believe that she will always be there for him.

Maybe this time... he can trust her.

Amon then smiled. With one single nod coming from him, he held her hand and the both of them shook on their words, the Grim Reaper now slowly believing in the people around him.

Especially towards Lilith.

"Mm. To the start of our friendship."